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ron17402 · 12 August 2007, 12:06 PM

Hi all,

What is the metal material used in the hands of a Rolex?

Does anyone know what material is used for the metal ring around the hour markers?

What is different or special about the SS used in a Rolex vs. say a Swiss Army or something like that?

Just curious about the fancy-dancy metals that Rolex uses.

Thanks.

roadcarver · 12 August 2007, 12:08 PM

The 'metal' around the hour markers are white gold. As for the hands, it could also be white gold, but I'm not 100%.

As for the case and bracelet SS, Rolex uses 904L steel. Typically Rolex uses higher nickel content, but since some folks are allergic to nickel, Rolex has used lesser nickel content for their parts that touches skin ie. caseback, clasp etc.

USMCsilver · 12 August 2007, 12:08 PM

Hands, dunno.

Around the markers, white gold.

904L vs. 316. Rolex stuff is three times better than surgical stainless.

mike · 12 August 2007, 12:15 PM

Rolex went to the use of white gold on the hands sometime in the mid 80s depending on reference.

Surrounds are WG also.

ROGU808 · 12 August 2007, 01:05 PM

I read in one of the Rolex Ads that 904L has a higher chromium content. That's what makes is so corrosion resistant.
I didn't know the maker surrounds, hands and chapter ring was done in white gold. Is that on Sports models as well??

ron17402 · 12 August 2007, 01:09 PM

I found it very cool that the numbers in the cermaic bezel of the new GMT are platinum.

USMCsilver · 12 August 2007, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROGU808

I didn't know the maker surrounds, hands and chapter ring was done in white gold. Is that on Sports models as well??

Yes, that is correct, well, for the most part -- not on the chapter ring thogh. The chapter ring is 904L since it is part of the inner section of the case.

mike · 12 August 2007, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROGU808

I didn't know the maker surrounds, hands and chapter ring was done in white gold. Is that on Sports models as well??

The chapter ring is steel. The sports models do indeed use white gold on the hands on those models with WG surrounds.

MAXI DIAL · 12 August 2007, 03:41 PM

There is no platinum in the new GMT. Not even in the numbers....

Correct me if I am wrong..

ROGU808 · 12 August 2007, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAXI DIAL

There is no platinum in the new GMT. Not even in the numbers....

Correct me if I am wrong..

The numerals on the new SS GMT are indeed vaporized platinum. I forget the technical term used for the process...but it's vaporized into a plasma form onto the ceramic bezel...then polished away until just the numerals remain.

It's one of the reasons why the new SS GMT is my new favorite Rolex!!

BiG JeEzY · 12 August 2007, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROGU808

The numerals on the new SS GMT are indeed vaporized platinum. I forget the technical term used for the process...but it's vaporized into a plasma form onto the ceramic bezel...then polished away until just the numerals remain.

It's one of the reasons why the new SS GMT is my new favorite Rolex!!

Oh the term was PVD, short for Physical Vapor Deposition. Its is the technique used to ensure that the platinum or gold numerals remain there permanently.

Here is a wikipedia article thats talks about PVD:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_vapor_deposition

ohlins · 12 August 2007, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAXI DIAL

There is no platinum in the new GMT. Not even in the numbers....

Correct me if I am wrong..

the matt material on the numbers in the bezel of the 116710 is indeed platinum....

frostie · 12 August 2007, 07:52 PM

I think that it is platinum

Alcan · 12 August 2007, 10:56 PM

After the next round of price increases, all Rolex watches will be made of Unobtainium.

Tools · 13 August 2007, 12:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alcan

After the next round of price increases, all Rolex watches will be made of Unobtainium.

They're very close to that now....

SPACE-DWELLER · 12 August 2007, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ron17402

Hi all,

What is the metal material used in the hands of a Rolex?

Does anyone know what material is used for the metal ring around the hour markers?

What is different or special about the SS used in a Rolex vs. say a Swiss Army or something like that?

Just curious about the fancy-dancy metals that Rolex uses.

Thanks.

Hands and indices are 18 kt white gold.

The steel used by Rolex (exclusively, btw!) is steel 904L as apposed to the steel 316L that other watch companies uses.

The steel 904L has a slightly higher Nickel content that 316L but is more resistant to corrosion and is much easier to (re-)polish to a deep shiny lustre.

frostie · 12 August 2007, 11:04 PM

Unobtanium

12 August 2007, 12:06 PM	#1
ron17402 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Real Name: Ron Location: Charlotte, NC USA Watch: 116710 Posts: 435	What metals are used in a SS Rolex? Hi all, What is the metal material used in the hands of a Rolex? Does anyone know what material is used for the metal ring around the hour markers? What is different or special about the SS used in a Rolex vs. say a Swiss Army or something like that? Just curious about the fancy-dancy metals that Rolex uses. Thanks.

12 August 2007, 12:08 PM	#2
roadcarver "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Real Name: Vernon Location: C-a-n-a-d-a Watch: 16600 Posts: 5,641	The 'metal' around the hour markers are white gold. As for the hands, it could also be white gold, but I'm not 100%. As for the case and bracelet SS, Rolex uses 904L steel. Typically Rolex uses higher nickel content, but since some folks are allergic to nickel, Rolex has used lesser nickel content for their parts that touches skin ie. caseback, clasp etc. __________________ I'm just a cook...

12 August 2007, 12:08 PM	#3
USMCsilver "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Real Name: Sterling Location: Middle of SC Watch: Anniv. GMT II Posts: 908	Hands, dunno. Around the markers, white gold. 904L vs. 316. Rolex stuff is three times better than surgical stainless. __________________ The Original USMCsilver© ~~><~~

12 August 2007, 10:56 PM	#14
Alcan 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Al Location: Way Up North Watch: your P's & Q's Posts: 10,473	What metals are used in a SS Rolex? After the next round of price increases, all Rolex watches will be made of Unobtainium. __________________ Member #1,315 I don't want to get technical, but according to chemistry alcohol IS a solution!

12 August 2007, 12:15 PM	#4
mike "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 22,683	Rolex went to the use of white gold on the hands sometime in the mid 80s depending on reference. Surrounds are WG also.

12 August 2007, 01:05 PM	#5
ROGU808 Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Honolulu, Hawaii Posts: 288	I read in one of the Rolex Ads that 904L has a higher chromium content. That's what makes is so corrosion resistant. I didn't know the maker surrounds, hands and chapter ring was done in white gold. Is that on Sports models as well??

12 August 2007, 01:09 PM	#6
ron17402 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Real Name: Ron Location: Charlotte, NC USA Watch: 116710 Posts: 435	I found it very cool that the numbers in the cermaic bezel of the new GMT are platinum.

12 August 2007, 03:41 PM	#9
MAXI DIAL "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Real Name: Jamal Location: Dubai, U.A.E. Posts: 862	There is no platinum in the new GMT. Not even in the numbers.... Correct me if I am wrong..

12 August 2007, 07:52 PM	#13
frostie 1,000,000th PostMember Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Earth Posts: 14,048	I think that it is platinum

12 August 2007, 11:04 PM	#17
frostie 1,000,000th PostMember Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Earth Posts: 14,048	Unobtanium

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